BP and needle sticks

Taxlady01
Taxlady01 Member Posts: 1
in Breast Cancer #1

I am a 18 year survivor I had a mastectomy and I can't remember how many nodes were removed but none were positive.   The only area they draw is left and I have blown every single vein.  Need a surgery(kidney stones) soon and I dread because of the sticks all over to try to get a good vein in that one available arm.   How long is it recommended before you allow them to use the arm of the mastectomy and node removal?

Comments

  • tufi000
    tufi000 Member Posts: 745 Member
    #2
    what they did with me

    I had to have tram flap 14 hr surgery. Because of the same issues they put in a temp line with shoulder access for the surgery and post surgery antibiotic access.  There is always a way.  Always ask!

  • cinnamonsmile
    cinnamonsmile Member Posts: 1,187 Member
    edited July 2016 #3
    Did you have nodes removed

    There is no time frame that is allowable for getting needle sticks of any kind. Once you have lymp nodes removed, you are at risk for the rest of your life for lymphedema. http://stepup-speakout.org/index.htm is an excellent website to learn about lymphedema.

    I have bad veins, too. In order to find a good vein for surgery, the anesthesiologist needs to use an ultra sound machine to find a good vein.

     

     

  • jessiesmom1
    jessiesmom1 Member Posts: 915 Member
    #4
    Needle Sticks and Blood Pressure

    Interesting time for this post to come up. Yesterday I had a colonoscopy and as I was being checked into the surgery center I warned the nurse that only one arm could be used and that I was a "difficult stick" due to small, next to invisible veins. I even recommended that she use pediatric needles. Well, I was right. She was unable to find a vein. I told her she'd had her chance and that the anesthesiologist would have to do it.  The anesthesiologist agreed that I was a difficult stick and ended up having to give me a local anesthetic in my wrist so he could place the IV there. He did not have to use ultrasound.

    I then went on to ask him about using 1 arm for BP and needles of any kind. He said if only the sentinel node had been removed on a side then either arm could be used. If multiple lymph nodes had been removed then a person shouldn't use the affected side - EVER. It definitely cuts down the options. Blood can be drawn from the groin and feet but usually unless you are in the hospital a nurse or phlebotomist will not do that unless ordered by a doctor. 

    I wish you the best of luck. 

    IRENE

  • camul
    camul Member Posts: 2,537
    #5
    I was told never as I had 19 nodes removed.

    Before getting a pump for recurrance, I was in the hospital for 8 days, it was down to my feet, as I blew out all the veins.  I love the port, just wish I didn't need it.

  • peony
    peony Member Posts: 306 Member
    #6
    cinnamonsmile said:

    Did you have nodes removed

    There is no time frame that is allowable for getting needle sticks of any kind. Once you have lymp nodes removed, you are at risk for the rest of your life for lymphedema. http://stepup-speakout.org/index.htm is an excellent website to learn about lymphedema.

    I have bad veins, too. In order to find a good vein for surgery, the anesthesiologist needs to use an ultra sound machine to find a good vein.

     

     

    That IS an excellent website!

    I really appreciate the bandaging videos. I have sleeves and gloves now, but just in case-  I know where to get a refresher course. Thanks!

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